• Become a consumer of RS (Rehabilitation Services), develop a business plan as part of your employment plan with RS. (Remember that RS has the linkage to the AbilitiesFund, Ventures programs that PTE (Pathways to Employment) is funding.) Pathways website is www.deed.state.mn.us/pte.
• Apply directly to AbilitiesFunds for funding, they'll guide you on the steps that they require to fund a small business.
• The first thing you need to do is a Business Plan, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) could get her started on that.
• Small Business Development Center at Southwest State, in Marshall. The Southwest Initiative Foundation has a micro-enterprise loan program - www.swifoundation.org/microenterpriseloanprogram.html.
• Guide to Starting your Own Business - www.deed.state.mn.us/bizdev/start.html.
• Also, many WorkForce Centers conduct workshops on Small Business, so here's a listing of workshops as per each WorkForce Center - http://mwa.deed.state.mn.us/mnwfc/WorkshopList.aspx.
• There is a lot of information under Positively Minnesota under business services - www.deed.state.mn.us/bizdev.
• Finding workers - www.deed.state.mn.us/general/findingworkers.html.

Your email was forwarded to our Disability Program Navigator group. It is important to know what job search tools you have already used, but I am including a list that we feel is vital to getting a job.

1. FIRST, and most importantly; NETWORK, Network, network. It's the old saying, "It's not what you know, but who you know." Most people get jobs because someone knows you, and/or your skills, and make a referral to someone in a hiring position. Remember that this network circle is EVERYONE you know. Your sphere of influence is large. People who know you, or someone you know, also know employers who need your skills. Carry your resume with you at all times and share it with everyone.
2. What are you using for your resume? WorkForce Center (WFC) staff encourage a targeted resume for each job that you apply for. List skills and experiences that are relevant to the specific job.
3. Is your resume online with job listing websites? There are several! a) Our's is www.MinnesotaWorks.net, and we consider it the best. Register, put 1 to 5 resumes into it, and make them viewable ...an employer might call you directly. b) www.Monster.com is widely used, nationally. Get job search help besides the job listings. c) www.Indeed.com searches almost all other websites by specific job title, within a ZIP Code. Two great websites for job search help are www.JobHuntersBible.com (Richard Bolles, What Color is Your Parachute) and www.rileyguide.com.
4. Where do you live? The Minnesota WorkForce Centers, scattered throughout Minnesota www.mnwfc.org, offer FREE job search classes. The best one, offered by all WFCs, is Creative Job Search. They are all free, but you have to sign up ahead of time. Every job seeker should take this class. Call your local WorkForce Center, toll free, at 888.GET JOBS (888.438.5627). At the prompt, put in your ZIP Code and your call is transferred to the closest WFC. The WorkForce Centers also have Resource Areas with lots of job search materials and free computer use for job search activities.
5. You may be eligible for employment and training programs through one of the partner agencies at the WorkForce Centers. Examples are the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services - for persons with a disability; State Services for the Blind; Dislocated Worker Programs - laid off from work through no fault of your own; Workforce Investment Act - income eligibility; Minnesota Family Investment Act (MFIP) - for parents for receive public assistance.
6. Are you registered in the State of Minnesota Department of Employee Relations employment site, www.doer.state.mn.us? Register, get a very detailed resume into the system and set up a search that lets you know when jobs are open that you are interested in. It is vital to use all of your skill words in the DOER resume. The system does a keyword match, according to the job description. You will only get selected for interviews if you have enough matching skills.

I just have a couple of questions regarding disability and wondering if my condition qualifies as a disability, or if there's any help or resources you could offer me.

I suffer from chronic headaches and have a headache every single day. Sometimes I can function with these headaches and the pain is duller. Sometimes I can't lift my head off my pillow in the morning. I know they affect my performance at work and my concentration; dealing with the chronic pain has definitely caused depression. I have to take a lot of sick days and Paid Time Off to accommodate them.

I have been struggling with this condition for over 5 years now and have actively been seeking different kinds of medical care to find a cure. I have been bounced between all kinds of doctors! I have seen general practice doctors, neurologists, physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, dentists, and dental specialists. I've been put on every migraine medication on the market, blood pressure medications, muscle relaxers, pain medications, blood thinners, seizure medications and a number of other medications I can't remember! No one can seem to figure out the cause of my pain or how to cure it.

Therefore, I was just wondering if there were any options for me through the state of Minnesota. Any help or direction you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time!

I wanted to try to locate as many resources for you as possible. The Disability Program Navigators may each view your situation differently. Here are suggestions I thought would help you.

The most important thing is your health so that you can function and work. The more information you can provide us with, we can look at more resources. If I were you I would write up a series of questions based on what you may need: i.e., resources for finding out what your condition is, financial and/or medical help you may need, housing, what your rights are for employment, including short and long term disability insurance through your employer, and social security disability. Not knowing what your income or living situation is now, I am trying to be as complete as possible.

If you are wondering what your rights are you can look at this website: Americans with Disabilities Act- ADA - or call them directly at 800.514.0301 (voice), 800.514.0383 (TTY). This is a National Line. They should be able to help you with employment related questions and if you are covered through your employer for short and long term disability insurance.

This web site Job Accommodation Network (JAN), 800.526.7234 (V) 877.781.9403 (TTY) has many resources for disabilities, and it may be of value to you under the section that states: how to determine whether a person has a disability under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). The JAN site also has its own search engine, so for example you could type in your symptoms, like "headache" and it can give you a list of symptoms and accommodations, but there may be more than one type of medical condition listed under "headache."

In Minnesota we have a resource called Disability Linkage Line, 866.333.2466. You may want to call them to explain your situation. The Disability Linkage Line (DLL) is a free, statewide information and referral resource that provides Minnesotans with disabilities and chronic illnesses a single access point for all disability related questions. Anyone can use the DLL. There are no "wrong" questions. It is specifically designed for Minnesotans with disabilities or chronic illnesses and their families, caregivers or service providers. A trained resource specialist will be available during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) to provide one-to-one assistance to help people learn about their options and connect with the supports and services they choose. DLL should be able to refer you onto housing information.

MinnesotaHelp.info, is an online directory of services designed to help people in Minnesota identify resources such as human services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other forms of aid and assistance within Minnesota.

You may want to consider contacting the Minnesota Department of Human Services, 651.431.2000 (TTY/TDD service: 800.627.3529. They have many resources including information on Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD). Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities is a work incentive that promotes competitive employment and the economic self-sufficiency of people with disabilities.

Many people do not realize they may be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits and continue to work (this program is called Ticket to Work). There is information on how to qualify for Social Security Insurance/Social Security Disability Insurance, how to apply for benefits and types of benefits. Documentation is important, so getting your doctors statements would be key to receiving benefits.

Here are the resources I would encourage you to contact in regards to your questions.

I would encourage you to go online, www.ssa.gov; automated telephone services 800.772.1213 - 24 hours a day, or toll-free TTY number 800.325.0778, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to review the process for applying your disability through Social Security Administration. There is a program called Ticket to Work, www.ssa.gov/work/aboutticket.html that eligible beneficiaries may choose to assign their tickets to an Employment Network (EN) of their choice to obtain employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, or other support services necessary to achieve a vocational (work) goal.  The EN can coordinate and provide appropriate services to help the beneficiary find and maintain employment.

In addition, Work Incentives Connections (WIC) www.mnworkincentives.com, 651.632.5113, Toll-free: 800.976.6728, TTY: 651.632.5110 or MN Relay - 711, can provide: answers to questions about benefits and work, help in solving benefits problems, referrals for additional services, advocacy and other related services.

Another resource that is extremely useful is Disability Linkage Line (DLL), 866.333.2466 (8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). DLL provides statewide information and referral resource to Minnesotans with disabilities and chronic illnesses a single access point for all disability related questions. DLL provides service to the entire state from four locations: St. Paul, Rochester, Bemidji and Brainerd. A trained resource specialist will be available during regular business hours to provide one-to-one assistance about options and connect with the supports and services you may choose. Inquiries include requests for information and referrals on disability benefits programs, home modifications, assistive technology, personal assistance services, transition services, accessible housing, employment, social activities and disability rights. Resources over the Internet, can also be found with the Disability Linkage Line's partner in the statewide resource database found at Minnesotahelp.info.

Your local Minnesota WorkForce Center, www.mnwfc.org, 1.888.GET JOBS (1.888.438.5627) provides the tools, resources and services you need for your employment, training and related workforce development needs. Services are available across the state and are a collaboration of partners, including the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and local community agencies. Within DEED is Rehabilitation Services helping people with disabilities to achieve their employment and independent living goals. Rehabilitation Services works with individuals who have disabilities, providing a variety of services. The services include but are not limited to: vocational planning, employment information and referral services. They also provide guidance in maintaining employment. Most WorkForce Centers have Rehabilitation offices that can answer your questions.

You are fortunate that there are many services in Minnesota and Anoka County for Veterans. What we have always emphasized is that Veterans come first when it comes to services at the WorkForce Centers because they have served our country.

I would start with contacting the Veterans Staff at Anoka County WorkForce Center, www.mnwfc.org/anoka/veterans.html, as they will be able to direct you to the best resources for Anoka County . There is a vast amount of services for Veterans on this website. Veterans staff at the Anoka County WorkForce Center are Gary Quernomoen, Senior Veterans Employment Representative, 763.785.6465, Gary.Quernemoen@state.mn.us or Tim LaBeau, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Representative, 763.785.6488, Tim.LaBeau@state.mn.us, can provide you with information about employment and other work related needs. They may want to review your resume if you have one and will make suggestions based on your skills, background and training as to where and how you can find employment. The WorkForce Center in Anoka County (www.mnwfc.org/anoka) also has general services that are free including many workshops related to job seeking skills, resume assistance, personal computers, faxing, phones, and Businesses of the Day that are there seeking employees (calendar on their website). The contact information is: 1201 89th Avenue NE, Suite 235, Blaine, MN 55434, Phone: 763.783.4800, TTY: 763.785.5987, Fax: 763.783.4814.

If you feel you want to be considered for a program servicing individuals who have disabilities, seeking retraining or assistance in finding employment, contact Vocational Rehabilitation Services located in the same building. Call Rehabilitation Services at 763.785.3360. Rehabilitation Services works with people who have physical, learning, cognitive, or emotional disabilities that could result in barriers to finding employment.  The goal is to help people with disabilities overcome barriers in order to appropriately enter the world of work.

In addition, Anoka County has services and staff available for Veterans (www.co.anoka.mn.us/departments/vet_services), Veterans Service Office, Government Center, Suite 233, 2100 3rd Ave. Anoka, MN 55303-5035; Phone: 763.323.5290, Fax: 763.323.5296, Duane.Krueger@co.anoka.mn.us, Bill.Giddens@co.anoka.mn.us, Laura.Bartley@co.anoka.mn.us.

There is also a special program called Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans – MACV - that the County Veterans staff can refer you to for employment assistance, transportation, food assistance, utility, housing, and legal assistance. www.mac-v.org, 651.291.8765 is the main phone in St Paul.

You can also contact Jobs for Veterans program, 612.752.8400, dwpinfo@resource-mn.org. They have multiple locations in the metro and St. Cloud area, providing assistance with several things such as job placement, getting you connected with employers, referrals to community services, showing you how to transfer your military skills into civilian skills and learning the latest trends in interviewing.

If I were looking for employment as a Veteran and knew that I was eligible for medical benefits, through the VA Medical Center, www1.va.gov/minneapolis, I would make employers aware of that because if they do not have to provide you with medical benefits, that could save them money, and why not hire you instead of someone else. Here is their contact information: VA Medical Center, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, 612.725.2000, Medical Advice: 612.467.1100 Monday- Friday 7:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.: toll free 866.414.5058, 24 hours, 7 days a week. The VA Medical Center also has employment www1.va.gov/minneapolis/careers/care_careers.html. The local job hotline is 612.725.2060 (daytime).

If there is any other help we can offer you, or you need clarification please don't hesitate to contact the Disability Program Navigators again. Thank you for your service to our country.

You are doing the right thing by being honest! Employers can't fault you for that. You realize your mistake and want to move forward. What would be helpful is if we had more information about what your education, work history, job goals and financial picture because there are many programs and services. Typically disability program navigators refer people with disabilities to services so they can assist them with disability related issues. You should consider contacting the nearest Minnesota WorkForce Center, 1.888.438.5627, www.mnwfc.org, because there are programs and services you can use at no cost, including PCs, job postings, employers who come onsite to interview, free workshops, resume and application assistance (what information to put on applications), phones, fax machines, and other related services. If you are eligible for public assistance such as Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) or fall within the guidelines according to your family income you ask about these programs at the nearest WorkForce Center as well:

• Workforce Investment Act (WIA) providing assistance for persons 18 years or older with a goal of a permanent job
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to all private sector businesses. It is designed as an incentive to employers to hire individuals in certain targeted groups which consistently experience high rates of unemployment due to a variety of employment barriers. WOTC is a tool for job seekers in these targeted groups to use to help them obtain gainful employment so that they may acquire the skills and experience needed to be eligible for better, higher paying job opportunities. It eliminates the earnings test for ex-felons. www.deed.state.mn.us/wotc, Telephone: 651.259.7507 Toll Free: 888.234.5521
• The Minnesota Federal Bonding Service provides individual Fidelity Bonds to employers for new or current employees who may be denied coverage by commercial carriers because of :
  • Record of arrest, conviction or imprisonment
  • History of alcohol or drug abuse
  • Poor credit history
  • Dishonorable discharge
  • Lack of employment history

PHONE: 651.259.7500 (Twin Cities area)
TOLL FREE: 800.345.2537
EMAIL: deed.jobbank@state.mn.us

If you let employers know that you are eligible for the WOTC and Bonding programs, it would give them an extra incentive for hiring you. I tell people to copy the documents, give them to the employers and write it out on the applications or cover letters to the employers.

There are many programs and if you are working with Minnesota Department of Corrections, they can help with resources as well. I am not sure if you live in the Metro area, but here are some resources for the metro:

• AMICUS is a Minnesota not-for-profit organization with over 40 years of experience in improving public safety by helping inmates and ex-offenders through positive relationship-building, restorative justice practices and individualized transition services. www.amicususa.org, 612.348.8570.
• Correctional Transition Services, Inc. (CTSI) is dedicated to providing unique and proven community-based programming for individuals transitioning from the criminal justice system back into their communities. CTSI believes without reservation that all individuals possess the ability to make positive life changes. www.ctsiservices.org, 612.588.7530
• Council on Crime and Justice, 612.348.7874, Contact: Eric McCoy or Michael Bischoff, offers an Employment Training Program, Parenting classes, and ex-offender support groups.
• Goodwill Easter Seals core programs provide employment services specifically designed for people with barriers to work. Through training, individuals gain the skills, attitudes and work behaviors needed to assist them in finding and keeping employment. www.goodwilleasterseals.org, 651.379.5800
• Lifetrack Resources helps youth and adults overcome obstacles to successful employment, including people who are leaving welfare, immigrants and refugees, persons with disabilities, and ex-offenders. Job seekers are involved in selecting career paths and preparing for, obtaining, maintaining and advancing in employment. Lifetrack Resources Employment Services provides job placement, job coaching, job retention and job advancement. www.lifetrackresources.org/Employment/index.htm, 651.227.8471.
• There is a program within the Minnesota WorkForce Centers in the Metro area to help ex-felons. Luis Brown-Peña at the Ramsey County - St. Paul WorkForce Center has been involved with that. 651.642.0696. My understanding is that the program is filled presently, but Luis may be able to help you with information.

If there is any other information that you feel you would like assistance with, please contact us again. Having a positive attitude and the willingness to work with others, is a great asset. We are here to help you.